Portrait of a Gentleman, probably a member of the Sloat family

The formal pose, sumptuous clothing and details of execution of this grand portrait suggests the work or influence of Robert Feke (1707-1752), one of Colonial America's most significant portraitists. A label on the reverse identifies the sitter as "Capt. John Sloat," possibly the man of that name who was born in 1754 in Sloatsburg, New York and died there at the young age of twenty seven in 1781. However, the style of the portrait suggests an earlier date of production and it is possible that the likeness portrays John's father, Stephen Sloat (1726-1806). During the American Revolution, Stephen's house, which still stands today in Sloatsburg, was used as headquarters by George Washington when he tried to block the path of British troops traveling from New York City to Albany.